Early Years Foundation Stage

Jigsaw is a popular day nursery in Petersfield favouring the Montessori method.

Jigsaw adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which is mandatory for all early years providers.

It sets the standards that must be met to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children's 'school readiness' and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

There are 7 areas of learning and development, 3 of which are particularly crucial for igniting children's curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. These prime areas are communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. The 4 specific areas - through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied, are literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. Activities are planned for each child, taking into account the individual needs, interests and stage of development. Each area of learning is implemented through planned purposeful play and through a mix of adult led and child initiated activities.

Alongside the Early Years Framework, we incorporate the Montessori Method. This approach to education has 3 key components:- the child, the favourable environment and the teacher. Montessori recognises and celebrates the unique individuality of each child, an environment that promotes spontaneous learning and a teacher who can help a child settle into the environment and show them how it works and then step back to allow the child to access activities on their own. Through specific exercises using the senses, children learn a respect for their surroundings, social skills, a sense of order and freedom of choice.

To discover more about the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, or the Montessori Method, please feel free to contact us.